Fedeli demanding MTO quickly release highway maintenance findings

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli
News Release

********************

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is demanding the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) quickly release the findings of its review into the adequacy of area highway maintenance work in late December 2011 and early January 2012.

“The Ministry tells us it normally takes four weeks to conduct such a review,” Fedeli said.

“We’re now at the end of week 5, and it’s time to provide the public with some answers.”

Fedeli met with Ministry officials last month following an unusually large volume of public complaints in recent weeks about the conditions on area highways.

Specifically, Fedeli wants the MTO to disclose if any infractions were issued in the specified time period against any regional maintenance contractors. If so, he also wants details of any financial penalties resulting disclosed, despite public comments from the Ministry stating it won’t do so.

“How are taxpayers supposed to know just how serious these infractions are if those details aren’t released?” Fedeli asked.

“If the MTO is signing contracts that keep that information secret, that practice needs to change,” added Fedeli.

“The Ministry insists that while delivery of highway maintenance service has changed over the years, standards have not. In light of this, however, it maybe time to review those standards.”

********************